What goes in chicken Caesar salad?

A classic chicken Caesar salad includes grilled chicken breast, crisp romaine lettuce, crunchy croutons, Parmesan cheese, and Caesar dressing. Our elevated version also adds fresh vegetables like corn, tomatoes, bell peppers, cucumber, and creamy avocado for more texture and flavor.

What does a Caesar salad consist of?

The original Caesar salad consists of romaine lettuce, a creamy anchovy-based dressing, croutons, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce. Modern takes often include grilled chicken or shrimp for added protein, along with optional ingredients like avocado or tomatoes for extra depth.

Is a chicken Caesar salad healthy?

Yes, especially when prepared with fresh ingredients and balanced portions. Grilled chicken provides lean protein, while vegetables and healthy fats from avocado keep the meal nutrient-rich. Our recipe uses Greek yogurt in the dressing for a lighter, protein-enhanced alternative.

What is chicken Caesar salad sauce made of?

Traditional Caesar dressing is made from egg yolks, oil, garlic, anchovies, lemon juice, mustard, and Parmesan cheese. In our version, Greek yogurt replaces eggs and oil for a lighter yet creamy blend that includes mayo, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire, anchovies, garlic, and lemon juice.

Chicken Caesar Salad – Healthy, Flavorful, and Satisfying

Description

Chicken Caesar Salad made with grilled chicken, creamy yogurt dressing, and fresh vegetables. A high-protein, wholesome twist on a classic.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:
- 1 batch lemon basil grilled chicken (see method below)
For the Salad:
- 1 large head romaine lettuce, chopped
- Kernels from 1 ear of fresh corn
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 6 mini bell peppers, sliced (or 1 large red bell pepper, chopped)
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- 1–2 avocados, sliced or chopped
For the Caesar Dressing:
- 4 anchovy fillets, minced and mashed
- ½ cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ⅓ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
- Milk, as needed for thinning
For the Croutons:
- ½ loaf garlic or herb French bread, cubed
- Olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- Freshly cracked salt and black pepper
Garnish:
- Additional grated Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

Prepare the Lemon Basil Chicken:
- Marinate boneless, skinless chicken breasts in a mix of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and chopped basil for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat grill to medium (375–450°F). Grill the chicken for 5–7 minutes per side or until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice.
Make the Caesar Dressing:
- In a bowl, combine yogurt (or sour cream), mayo, lemon juice, mustard, balsamic vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Stir in mashed anchovies and Parmesan cheese. Add milk gradually until desired consistency is reached.
- Chill until ready to use.
Make the Croutons:
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Toss bread cubes with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Spread on a baking sheet and bake for about 15 minutes, or until golden and crisp.
Assemble the Salad:
- In a large bowl, combine romaine, corn, tomatoes, bell peppers, cucumber, and avocado.
- If serving immediately, drizzle with dressing and toss. Top with croutons, Parmesan, and sliced grilled chicken.
- If storing for later, keep avocado, dressing, croutons, and chicken separate until serving.